The Wolves Within
An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate
who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at
times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no
sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your
enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have
struggled with these feelings many times."
He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and
does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take
offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right
to
do so, and in the right way."
"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set
him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason.
He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live
with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my
spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one
wins, Grandfather?"
The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed." |
